Axolotl: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The axolotl is a salamander that never grows up and keeps its feathery gills for life. It needs cold water and a tank of its own.

Adult size
9.8 in25 cm
Smallest tank
30 gallons114 liters
How many
One or more
Temperature
57–68 °F14–20 °C
pH
6.5–8
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
On the bottom
Heater needed
No, in a normal room

What size tank do axolotls need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters). For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum.

How many axolotls in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if axolotls are the only animals in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many axolotls
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breederToo small
55 gallon1
75 gallon1
125 gallonup to 2

Check axolotls against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • An amphibian, not a fish: cold water, no tankmates, no gravel it could swallow.

Tank mates for axolotls

An axolotl should have no tankmates. It eats anything that fits in its mouth, fish nip its gills, and it needs colder water than tropical fish can stand.

Questions and answers

What size tank do axolotls need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters). For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many axolotls should be kept together?

One is fine. An axolotl does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can axolotls live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Axolotl needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters), and grows to 10 in (25 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do axolotls need?

57–68 °F (14–20 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. In a normal room that usually means no heater.

Can axolotls live with a betta?

It is not a good match. An axolotl should have no tankmates.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.